THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cassis Bistro Restaurant Review

: Marlon Abela is the owner of The Greenhouse and Umu in London as well as restaurants in New York, Greenwich, Connecticut and Boston. He’s aimed less high with this delightful, fashionable bistro. It’s well located in smart Brompton Cross and has an open fireplace, banquette seating, a zinc-topped bar and wooden floors. It’s popular with the well-heeled locals, dining on a menu of traditional dishes cooked by David Escobar, formerly at the Maison Lameloise in Chagny-en-Bourgogne. There’s a good choice of petites bouchées to nibble on over an expensive ‘Magnifique’ Kir Royale with blueberries. Entrées set the style of the chef who adds imaginative touches to the classics. So start with a goat cheese and beetroot salad with pancetta, lentil and quail eggs or grilled stuffed squid with piquillo pepper. Mains might include John Dory with fennel and spices; a veal kidney comes with mustard sauce and raisins. The unusual combinations lift the dishes to a new level. Desserts are perhaps chocolate, orange and pine nut tart, or a vanilla soufflé. The wine list has some delightful Provençale wines. Service is good.